News Notes

Members of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce join in on the ribbon-cutting at newly opened Meeting Grounds Cafe. Pictured left to right: Evelyn Libby, chamber ambassador; Rebecca Lapierre of Town Square Realty and chamber chair of the board; Andrea Knight of Sanford Mainers; Dan Bowden of Pilots Cove Cafe; owners Ed and Carie McMahon, cutting the ribbon; Rick Stanley, chamber president; Sean Dumont of Edward Jones Investments; Caren Martineau, chamber ambassador; and Kelly Davis of Lighthouse Credit Union.

Photo: Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Springvale cafe grand opening is simply grand: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber Ambassador Committee welcomed Ed and Carie McMahon, family owner/operators of Meeting Grounds Cafe, Springvale’s newest eatery, on Dec. 2 at the cafe’s grand opening at 489 Main St., Suite 1, in Springvale. The cafe menu offers hot and iced coffee, breakfast sandwiches, bakery items, soups, salads and lunch sandwiches. Breakfast and brunch Executive Chef Patrick Miller makes many of the menu items in-house including cinnamon buns, maple pecan rolls, house pickles, and house chips made from potatoes sourced from Fryeburg. The cafe is open Monday – Friday, 6 am to 2 pm. FMI, go here.

SPD announces two promotions: The Sanford Police Department’s Chad Allen has risen to the rank of major, overseeing the operations of the Patrol Division. Maj. Allen joined the department in 2008, bringing valuable experience from the Berwick Police Department. The SPD also promoted Matthew Begin to lieutenant. Lt. Begin joined the department in 2019 after serving with the North Berwick Police Department. Congratulations to both Maj. Allen and Lt. Begin!

Hang an ornament on Trent’s Tree: A special Christmas tree at Partners Bank in downtown Sanford is one of 17 Trent’s Trees set up across Maine. It is on display through Jan. 5 to honor those struggling with mental illness. The trees are intended to be places of solace for people coping with emotional pain during the holiday season. Guests are invited to hang an ornament or just absorb the love displayed on the tree, according to Katie Manende Hall, a volunteer with Stay; For Life. The organization was started by Angela Whitten of Wells in memory of her 18-year-old son Trent, who took his life in June 2022. It has grown into a statewide non-profit organization working to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

Who da BOSS? Friends of Downtown is inviting you to cast your vote this month for the Best of Sanford and Springvale (BOSS) Awards. Many fun categories are on the list. Businesses, organizations and locations must be in Sanford or Springvale to be eligible. Voting ends Dec. 31. Cast your vote here.

Get a jump on 2025 planning: The Sanford Backpack Program has 2025 calendars for sale just in time for gifting this holiday season. All proceeds from each sale will go directly to fighting youth hunger in Sanford. Pick up a calendar at Frannie’s Mini Donuts before they sell out. The suggested donation is $20.

Stay up to date on all things SMAA: Southern Maine Agency on Aging publishes a monthly newsletter offering stories, program updates and educational articles, as well as information on job and volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and more. Sign up for the free newsletter here.

Sand for walkways available: Buckets of sand are available to home-bound seniors preparing for winter weather, according to a press release from YMCA Trafton Center. The Trafton Center recently received a mini-grant for its Thriving in Place – Age Friendly Sanford program helping seniors with yard cleanups, snow shoveling and small jobs too much for older adults to tackle on their own. The Sand Bucket Program provides a filled sand bucket for use in sanding icy walkways. The Trafton Center extended thanks to Hammond Lumber for donating the buckets and to the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging and AARP for funds to purchase equipment for use in projects. To learn how you can get involved as a volunteer, or to ask for assistance, call Robin Bibber at 207-457-0080.  

Don’t say they didn’t warn you: The US Postal Service is reminding folks about holiday mailing deadlines. This year, the recommended send-by dates for delivery before Dec. 25 within the continental US are as follows: Dec. 18 for first-class mail, Dec. 19 for Priority Mail, and Dec. 21 for Priority Mail Express. For a complete list, go here.

Nov. 21 marked the official groundbreaking for York County government’s new recovery center and new first responder training center in Alfred.

Photo: Tammy Wells

County breaks ground on new recovery and training centers: The arrival of earth-moving equipment signaled the start of construction at York County government’s $44 million addiction recovery center and first responder training center in Alfred. York County Commissioners and others were recently on hand with shovels for a groundbreaking ceremony. The buildings are expected to be complete in 18 to 24 months.

Keeping kids busy during school vacation: Sanford Parks and Recreation is holding Vacation Camp for Kids at the Memorial Gym Cafe for children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. Campers will be kept safe and busy with a variety of activities. The camp runs weekdays (except Christmas Day) from Monday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 31. FMI and to register, go here.

Holiday gift card drive gives kids a day out with friends: Each year, Santa’s Cause works hard to provide as many kids and teens as possible with a special “Day Out” gift envelope, which includes gift cards to local fun spots and eateries that they rarely get a chance to enjoy due to the cost. The goal is to give each recipient an envelope containing a movie pass, a bowling pass, and a fast-food gift card. This year, Santa’s Cause is seeking donors to help with: Smitty’s Gift Cards ($20 value suggested, but any amount is appreciated); food gift cards from McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Wendy’s and Applebee’s ($10 value is appreciated); and Bowl-A-Rama “Santa’s Cause Coupons” (a $10 pass covers two strings of bowling and shoe rental). Mail purchased gift cards and passes to Robin Donarumo, 75 Farview Dr., Sanford, ME 04073 or drop them off at Sanford Flooring, 1209 Main St., Sanford. FMI, email robin.donarumo@yahoo.com.

Free parenting classes for Head Start families: York County Head Start has partnered with Kids Free to Grow to offer free parenting classes to their Head Start families. The four classes being offered are Active Parenting: First Five Years; Circle of Security Parenting; Nurturing Parenting; and Nurturing Parenting: Infant, Toddler, and Preschoolers (focusing on those with children aged 0 to 5 years old). Most classes are multi-week classes, not a one-time workshop. The sign-up deadline is Dec. 13. FMI and to sign up, go here.

‘Tis the season to bake cookies: Springvale Library is seeking bakers to make cookies for its 18th Annual Holiday Tea, to be held Dec. 19. If you can bake a batch to donate, whether it be from an old family recipe or something new, sign up with one of the librarians at the front desk.

Winter parking reminder from SPD: From Dec. 1 to April 1, seasonal parking restrictions will be in effect. During a snow emergency, parking is allowed at the Benton Park lot on Roberts Street and the Heritage Drive parking lot. However, vehicles must be moved two hours after the ban is lifted to allow for snow removal. FMI on snow emergency parking bans, streets with prohibited parking during the winter months, and other important reminders, go here.

Give a child a place to count sheep: This holiday season, BeLoved, an outreach of Mercy Chapel, is seeking donors to give children in York County a safe place to sleep through its Bed for Kids Campaign 2024. The organization’s Amazon Wish List has beds, cribs, and bedding listed for children in need. Every donation will ship directly to BeLoved and help a child within York County. To donate, go here.

Talented church organist needed: Sanford First Baptist Church has a beautiful pipe organ waiting to be played. The hours are every Sunday, 9:30 am to 12 pm, and special services. If interested, call 207-324-5456 and leave a message with contact information. A church member will return the call.